Lopez, with all his faults, is one of the elite postplayers, probably one of the top 2/3 low post players. Johnson might be perceived as not that good, but he is a multiple allstar for a reason and Williams is arguably the most complete pointguard in the league. I think this big three could be a very good match.

I think this team could be elite in the future, but next season i see them going 6-8 seed. They need some time to build their chemstry and learn how to play together. this situation can compare to the Heat's first year with the big three (yes they did make the finals but there was countless flaws that were perfected last season)

I don't think the Nets will take a season to work things out. Think about the Celtics: they won the first year they were together. Not that the Nets are winning anything, but you know what I mean. Miami took more time because Wade and Lebron basically don't complement each other in any traditional way, so they had to adjust.

And with the Nets, don't forget about Gerald Wallace. He is very, very good. Like I said in the opening post, I think their starting lineup is the second best in the west. They have two multiple all-stars and two guys just under that level (Lopez and Wallace), and Humphries is an above average power forward. The main concern will be if they will play good defence.

2-Celtics (by default)
3- Chicago (people seem to forget how well theyve plated without Rose .. plus hell be back half way thru)
4 - Pacers
5- Brooklyn (talent wise could be higher .. but some growing pains will occur for sure)
6- Knicks (people hating on the NYK - while they arent great .. they are a playoff team 100% for sure)
7- Philidelphia
8-Raptors
9- Bucks (ellis and jennings entertaining .. but not productive)
10- Hawks
11- Wizards (not buyin the hype .. this is best case for them)
12- Cavaliers
13- Pistons
14- Magic (even if DH12 stays .. he will sit out most of the season .. why rush back?? .. he gets a max contract whether he plays a game or not .. )
15- Bobcats

2-Celtics (by default) 3- Chicago (people seem to forget how well theyve plated without Rose .. plus hell be back half way thru)
4 - Pacers
5- Brooklyn (talent wise could be higher .. but some growing pains will occur for sure)
6- Knicks (people hating on the NYK - while they arent great .. they are a playoff team 100% for sure)
7- Philidelphia
8-Raptors
9- Bucks (ellis and jennings entertaining .. but not productive)
10- Hawks
11- Wizards (not buyin the hype .. this is best case for them)
12- Cavaliers
13- Pistons
14- Magic (even if DH12 stays .. he will sit out most of the season .. why rush back?? .. he gets a max contract whether he plays a game or not .. )
15- Bobcats

Rose is expected to be out till March. No Watson, Brewer, Korver, JLIII, and Asik (they guys that played really well when Rose was out).

how come you have the pacers at 2nd?
and celtics third? without Ray, steisma

Pacers are in the Central which is (without Rose and loss of major role players) likely to be weakest conference in east (Chicago, Indiana, Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee). *EDIT* Actually if Dwight gets traded before season, Southeast likely to be just as weak.*End EDIT* Pacers will win Central.

Celtics lost Ray and Steisma but they added Terry, Lee, and Green. They do have a hole at backup C (not sold on Sullinger or Melo as rookies) but I think their coaching, veteran players coming to camp in shape, and Rondo will give them an edge over Brooklyn or New York. C's will win Atlantic.

Won't make the playoff's...

Wow...
Ppl are very optimistic,that's good,but let's be serious.
Team has improved,but not enough 2 make the playoff's in the east and honestly I don't care if they just make the playoffs,I think fans want contender.
Yes I realize that every franchise in T.O has not been in playoff's in eternity,but do u want 2 just make it and get blown out buy maimi,exactly.
With this roster I don't think they make the playoff's,unless they get rid of Calderon,Bargnani and Klieza pkg for allstar calliber sf and pf with grit and defensive minded..ie(Charles Oakley kinda player)protect the kid,Jonas V.
Jonas V is rook,ref's will be all over this kid,fouls,fouls,fouls,kid needs protection...and Andrea Bargnani well that's just another story I could go into,but I wont.
That's my thought,I want the raptors 2 be good,but I don't see it.
Like the Leafs and Blue Jays..there are missing that piece,franchise player.

I'm fine with just making the playoffs, as long as the team is on the way up and not the way down. I admit my own view of the Raptors is optimistic, but I do have reasons backing up my optimism: I think the Raptors will be better at every single position this year (well, possibly not at shooting guard). It depends on how well Lowry, Bargnani, Val, and Derozan play, but there's every reason to think that we can make the playoffs.